In the days immediately following the September 11, 2001 terrorism attacks, PBS pulled together resources to help educators teach students about peace, tolerance, war, patriotism, geography, and other related issues. Although time has passed, educators can continue to use these valuable resources to teach lessons on these important subjects.

Afghanistan And Its Neighbors: Model Summit
As U.S. officials plan retaliation to the terrorist attacks on September 11, help students in grades 11-12 understand the complex relationships America has with countries in Central Asia and the Middle East. Students will research the recent political history of one country in the region and represent its interests at a model international summit designed to debate response to the terrorist attacks on America and propose measures to achieve long-term stability in that part of the world.

A World At Peace
Designed for younger students (grades 2-6), this lesson plan invites students to brainstorm the basic rights of people everywhere, explore the United Nation's Declaration of Human Rights, and then use international photography galleries as part of a multimedia creative writing assignment imagining a world at peace.

A Nation of Many Cultures
Designed for younger students (grades K-5), this cultural lesson invites students to create a visual representation of themselves to include their family, heritage, and interests. The creations are then used to compare and contrast similarities and differences of the students. The lesson culminates with the creation of an American Flag for the bulletin board.

Tolerance in Times of Trial
Designed for middle-high school students, this lesson plan uses the treatment of citizens of Japanese and German ancestry during World War II--looking specifically at media portrayals of these groups and internment camps--as historical examples of ethnic conflict during times of trial, and about the problems inherent in assigning blame to populations or nations of people. Students will look at contemporary examples of ethnic conflict, discrimination, and stereotyping at home and abroad.

Emergency Preparedness
Designed for middle school students, this lesson plan introduces students to governmental and humanitarian response mechanisms for natural and man-made disasters. Students research and report on a variety of organizations, including the Red Cross, FEMA, and more; as an extension, students learn about locally- and regionally-based resources like the National Guard.

Taming Terrorism
This lesson plan for high school students poses the question, "Who can stop international terrorism?" Students learn about different international agencies working to eliminate terrorism, study the recommendations of various international summits and conferences, and debate the effectiveness of various proposed measures.

The American Flag
Designed for grades PreK-5, this lesson plan offers information on the American Flag, including its history, what the symbols represent, and the proper way to display it. Also provided is a list of links to flag and patriotic crafts for all ages.

Conflicting Views
Use political maps of the world to provide geographical knowledge of Afghanistan, the United States of America, and other relevant countries. Learn the history of Afghanistan and the Taliban as they relate to U.S. foreign policy and actions. Using conflict resolution skills, brainstorm possible solutions to the conflict between the United States, Afghanistan, and the Taliban. Write an opinion paper on possible solutions.

Related Resources
Access information for educators available elsewhere online.

Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Access content to help kids cope with tragedy, from Mister Rogers, Sesame Workshop and other providers.